Two members of the Women's Royal Voluntary Service at Airedale Hospital have been rewarded for 30 years of combined work.

Jean Pickles and Anna Greig were presented with WRVS long service medals to thank them for their 15 years of sterling service to the hospital.

During their time at Airedale Jean and Anna have provided refreshing 'cuppas' and snacks for patients, visitors and staff.

And they have become well known faces on the hospital wards, which they have walked many times with their trollies, providing snacks and toiletries for patients unable to visit the shop.

Jean, 74, from Currer Walk, Steeton, says: "I had only just come back from holiday in Cyprus and Anna had just come back from Spain and we had no idea about these awards - it's a lovely surprise.

"I started through one of my friends and have carried on from there, working in the shop and taking the trolley around the wards."

Anna, who lives in Dradishaw Road, Silsden, but originally hails from Tilburg in Holland, became a volunteer after working part-time as a chiropodist for Airedale's Occupational Health branch.

She says: "I had to retire last year but I very much enjoyed my time as a volunteer on the trolley rounds."

Rita Barraclough, WRVS hospital services manager, says: "Volunteering makes such a tremendous difference to our communities.

"Anna and Jean are excellent examples of 'community spirit' and what can be achieved by people who care enough to volunteer."

Project manager at Airedale June Pye is also full of praise for volunteers who battled through last week's floods to reach the hospital.

She says: "Everyone managed to make it in last week in spite of the atrocious conditions.

"We would like to say a big thankyou to the volunteers who showed such commitment and dedication."

New WRVS volunteers are welcome at Airedale, and anyone interested should contact Rita Barraclough on 0771 4898546 or phone June or Vera on 01535 606611 ext 2609."